Mum’s the word for Teh

The Curtin University student completed her nursing studies in 2011 before starting an 18-month postgraduate midwifery diploma.

She graduated on February 7 and began her new job two days later.

Ms Teh expects caring for women with high-risk pregnancies, managing the health of mother and baby while providing a nurturing and supportive environment to be her biggest challenge.

‘I feel privileged at being offered a graduate midwife role at King Edward Memorial Hospital as it is the tertiary maternity hospital and the staff are very knowledgeable and supportive,’ she said.

‘I will be working in the research department as well as in clinical settings. I will be working in the labour ward, antenatal and postnatal wards, emergency centre, clinics and the adult special care unit.’

Ms Teh, a registered nurse for Princess Margaret Hospital, said she hoped to one day work in developing countries to improve the health outcome of mothers and babies through research and clinical work.

She said she would like to travel to Sierra Leone because the country was estimated to have the highest maternal mortality rate. ‘Also, travelling to other counties in the sub-Saharan region as they account for the highest global maternal deaths,’ she said.

She said she would definitely encourage more people to study midwifery.

‘The course was very intense as we were employed by the hospital and studied at university; however all of the difficulties were outweighed by the joy of building a professional relationship with women and being a part of their journey,’ she said.

Ms Teh held an event to raise funds and publicity for WA’s Organ Donation and Transplant Foundation.

She chose the organisation for her John Curtin Leadership Academy team-based community project.

‘Working in the intensive care unit, I am aware of the great impact organ and tissue donation has in improving the lives of recipients,’ she said.

‘Our New Life art exhibition and silent auction held at The Bakery raised more than $6500 and promoted organ and tissue donation to the community.’